POV: Maybe… (Joe Citrone)

Star Sports social media manager JOE CITRONE reflects on England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca…

Well, that was hell, wasn’t it?

No, not the final 20 minutes of England’s thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico, but the 1am alarm going off, only to discover kick-off had been delayed by an hour. Brutal.

But nights like this are exactly why we do it.

Let’s start with Jude Bellingham. Two goals in 90 seconds. Joy, disbelief and pure chaos rolled into one. At 23, the Stourbridge-born midfield maestro already writing himself into England folklore.

Mexico quickly pulled one back, but England emerged after the break looking like a team that believed this was their moment.

Then came the potential disaster.

England’s right-back curse continued when Jarell Quansah, who was deputising for Djed Spence, who was deputising for Reece James, was sent off for a poor challenge.

Kane restored the two-goal advantage, but Mexico hit back yet again after VAR awarded a dubious-looking penalty.

Over 20 minutes to survive against a Mexico side throwing everything forward with a partisan crowd behind them. We’ve seen this script before. England, glorious failure, heartbreak incoming.

But Thomas Tuchel nailed those substitutions. Dan Burn was immense – a towering display of grit and defiance. No tricks, no glamour, just block after block, clearance after clearance.

And the much-maligned Djed Spence helped out with a crucial last-ditch tackle. What a moment for the young man.

I’ve said this before, but this is what football is really about. Memories.

Where you were. Who you watched with. What you shouted at the TV at 2am. How angry the wife was when you woke her up celebrating.

Years from now, people will talk of Bellingham’s blitz, the heroic defending, another fine rendition of Wonderwall, and, of course, Kane turning into Joe Pasquale in the post-match interview.

They’re not always perfect, but this England team keeps giving us nights that matter. That makes the brutal early alarm and the painful day at work worth it.

Next up: Norway in Miami, with Erling Haaland waiting.

Another late night. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

COME ON ENGLAND! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿